A former councillor has denied stealing from a charity which later folded.

Charles Graham Smith, 55, pleaded not guilty to four counts, including two of theft of unspecified amounts from the NatWest bank, when he appeared at Durham Crown Court, yesterday.

He also denied two further counts, of forging and using a forged letter for accounting purposes, inducing the recipient to believe it was genuine.

The allegations, covering dates over two years from January 2000, relate to his role as treasurer of the charity lift scheme Darlington Dial-A-Ride.

Mr Smith is a former Darlington Conservative councillor.

The case was adjourned for eight weeks to a hearing at which a trial date will be agreed.

Judge Maurice Carr granted unconditional bail to Mr Smith, of Woodland Road, Darlington. He was given leave not to have to appear at the next hearing.